Utility furniture system

ABSTRACT

A utility desk for home or office use comprises a work surface supported by a plurality of legs. The back of the work surface is formed with a first vertical member depending therefrom. The first vertical member is joined to a back by a bridge member. The first vertical member, bridge member and back together form a cable channel dimensioned to receive electrical cables attached to electrical devices positioned on top of the desk. In a preferred embodiment, the back extends above the plane defined by the top of the work surface and includes a window formed therethrough. A shade is adjustably drawn over the window to provide additional privacy. A shelf extends horizontally from the top of the back to provide an additional worksurface. The desk may be fitted with a return rotatably attached to a front leg which can be rotated under the work surface when not in use. In another aspect of the invention, a conference table is disclosed having a generally rectangular shape with a plurality of legs depending therefrom. The front surface of the conference table is formed with a cutout section. Preferably, two conference tables are employed and placed in juxtaposition such that the front surfaces of the respective tables are in abutting contact. When the front surfaces are so positioned, the cutout section from the respective tables are in registration and together define an aperture dimensioned to enable electrical cable to pass therethrough.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 60/083,422, filed Apr. 29, 1998.

[0002] This invention relates generally to furniture, and more particularly to furniture used in an office, or home office environment.

[0003] Today's businesses rely heavily upon a variety of different electrical apparatus as the primary means by which information is received and disseminated. Thus, it is almost invariable that every desk encountered in a business environment supports one or more of these electronic apparatus. Common to most every office desk is at least a computer and a telephone. However, there are a variety of other devices that are normally positioned atop a business desk. Such other apparatus includes dictation/recorders, computer printers, computer scanners, telephone answering machines, facsimile machines, paper copiers and image scanners. Each of these office tools contain at least one electrical cable and may include additional cables permitting electrical communication with other devices. For example, such additional cables include the cable connecting the computer to the computer printer, the telephone cable between the facsimile machine and the telephone outlet and the connection between an image scanner and a computer.

[0004] Depending upon the particular arrangement of devices on the desk, these cables are often strewn in a haphazard arrangement on the top of the desk. This arrangement is unacceptable because it decreases the effective area in which a person can work. Also, many of these cables are positioned such that they partially hang over the back of the desk. This arrangement produces a visually unpleasant work environment. Moreover, if the particular desk is in a common area through which people frequently pass, there exists the potential for inadvertent contact with the cables which can damage the cables. In addition, a passing individual may become entangled in these cables and, as a result, pull the dedicated electrical apparatus from the desk causing irreparable damage to the electrical apparatus and personal injury.

[0005] Additionally, in order to provide maximum space utilization, many offices are arranged such that the individual desks are positioned in an open area. As a result, persons working in this environment do not enjoy a sense of privacy. Furthermore, the typical office desk does not afford the worker any appreciable degree of modesty, i.e. privacy for the area existing below the worksurface of the desk.

[0006] Another shortcoming with respect to present day office furniture is in the area of conference tables. Normal conference tables comprise a substantially rectangular, horizontal worksurface with a series of legs depending therefrom. During meetings, presentations, and seminars, one or more electrical apparatus are often used to convey information. In this context, such electrical devices include overhead projectors, slide projectors, film projectors, and phone teleconferencing equipment. To use these devices, one must normally attach the electrical cable to the electrical outlet positioned in the wall adjacent to the conference table. Thus, the cable hangs over a side of the conference table and prevents individuals from moving freely about the conference room.

[0007] Therefore, there exists a need for an office furniture system which effectively eliminate the problems extant in the prior art and is cost effective to manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Accordingly the present invention advances a new and unique office furniture system which successfully eliminates problems unaddressed by the prior art. According to one preferred aspect of the invention, the office furniture system is embodied in a utility desk having a cable channel depending from the back of the worksurface. This cable channel is dimensioned to accept the electrical cables connected to the electrical apparatus positioned on the worksurface. In accepting these electrical cables, the cable channel improves the visual appearance of the work area and prevents inadvertent contact between individuals and the electrical cables. In addition, placement of the electrical cables within the channel increases the effective workspace area. Moreover, the cable channel depends a preselected distance below the worksurface and thereby provides the worker with a degree of modesty.

[0009] According to another preferred aspect of the invention, the desk includes a vertical back extending from the cable channel. The top of the back may contain a horizontal shelf extending therefrom, thereby providing an additional worksurface. Also, the vertical back may be formed with a window having an adjustable shade positioned thereover. This vertical back in combination with the window provides the worker with a degree of privacy.

[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, the pair of legs positioned proximate to the back of the worksurface are equipped with rollers. These rollers facilitate movement of the desk when rearrangement of the work area is required.

[0011] According to still another aspect of the invention, the desk includes a return rotatably attached to a front leg of the desk. The return is equipped with a pair of legs having rollers attached thereto, permitting the return to be rotated about the leg of the desk. Thus, the return provides an additional work surface and can be positioned under the worksurface of the desk when not in use.

[0012] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a conference table is provided having a generally rectangular worksurface with four legs depending therefrom. The front of the worksurface is formed with a cutout section while the pair of legs positioned proximate to the front of the worksurface are fitted with rollers to thereby provide mobility. In a preferred embodiment, two individual conference tables are juxtaposed such that the front surfaces of the adjacent conference tables are in abutting contact, with the cutout sections of the respective tables in registration. When so positioned, these conference tables create an enlarged cutout section dimensioned to enable electrical cables to extend therethrough.

[0013] These and other advantages, benefits and objects will be understood by one skilled in the art from the drawings, description and claims which follow.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a utility desk according to the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 2a is a rear perspective view of the desk illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 2b is a side view of the desk illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2a shown supporting a computer depicted in phantom;

[0017]FIG. 3 is a front exploded view of the desk shown in FIGS. 1, 2a and 2 b;

[0018]FIG. 4 is a rear exploded view of the desk shown in FIG. 3;

[0019]FIG. 5 is a front view of a utility desk according to the invention illustrating both a return and a window shade;

[0020]FIG. 6 is a front view of the utility desk of FIG. 5 with the shade shown in the drawn position;

[0021]FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a utility desk according to an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the utility desk illustrated in FIG. 7;

[0023]FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a utility desk according to another alternative embodiment of the invention;

[0024]FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the utility desk illustrated in FIG. 9;

[0025]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a utility desk according to the invention illustrated attached to a return;

[0026]FIG. 12 is a top view of the return illustrated in FIG. 11;

[0027]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a conference table according to the invention;

[0028]FIG. 14 is a top view illustrating a pair of conference tables according to the invention shown in the juxtaposed position;

[0029]FIG. 15 is a front view of the conference tables illustrated in FIG. 14;

[0030]FIG. 16 is a side view of a utility desk according to an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0031]FIG. 17 is a detailed side view of the cable channel of the utility desk illustrated in FIG. 16;

[0032]FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional front view of a utility desk according to another alternative preferred embodiment of the invention; and

[0033]FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional side view taken along line I—I of FIG. 18.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] The present invention is embodied in a unique desk particularly suited for office or home use. Turning now to FIGS. 1, 2a and 2 b, there is shown a desk according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and generally designated by reference numeral 10. Desk 10 contains a worksurface 20 and a plurality of legs 60 depending from bottom surface 22 of worksurface 20. Legs 60 support worksurface 20 a preselected distance above the floor. Worksurface 20 is of a generally rectangular shape having a front 24, opposing sides 26, 28 and a rear 30. Depending from rear 30 of worksurface 20 is a cable channel 32. Cable channel 32 spans from side 26 to side 28 and depends a preselected distance from rear 30 of worksurface 20. Cable channel 32 includes a vertical member 34 attached to rear 30 of worksurface 20 and a vertical back 36. Vertical member 34 and back 36 are joined by a horizontal bridge member 35 and hence defines an interior 37 between vertical member 34 and back 36. As shown in FIG. 2b, interior 37 is dimensioned to receive one or more electrical cables 152 attached to an electrical apparatus 150 positioned on top 21 of worksurface 20. As illustrated, electrical device 150 is a computer, however, it will be recognized by those with ordinary skill in the art that electrical device 150 may be any electrical device commonly used in a home or business office environment. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, top 38 of back 36 may be approximately coplanar with top 21 of work surface 20.

[0035] In an alternative preferred embodiment as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, back 36 may extend above the plane defined by top 21 of work surface 20. A shelf 38 extends substantially horizontally from top 37 of back 36. Preferably, shelf 38 extends in a direction towards work surface 20.

[0036] In the most preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2a and 2 b, back 36 extends a greater distance above the plane defined by top 21 of work surface 20 than back 36 of FIGS. 7 and 8. In this embodiment, back 36 is fitted with a window 40. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, interior surface 41 of back 36 supports a shade 42 which can be adjustably positioned over window 40. As shown in FIG. 5, shade 42 is illustrated in the open position whereas FIG. 6 illustrates shade 42 in the drawn position, thereby covering window 40. In the most preferred form, window 40 is approximately thirteen and one quarter inches high and six inches wide, but other dimensions may be acceptably utilized. Alternatively, a plurality of windows 40 may be located in back 36.

[0037] Desk 10 is supported a preselected distance above the floor by a pair of front legs 62 attached proximate to front 24 and a pair of rear legs 64 depending from exterior surface 65 of bridge member 35. As shown, legs 64 are slightly curved, however it will be appreciated by those with ordinary skill in the art that legs 64 may assume any shape without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Preferably, rear legs 64 are fitted with rollers or casters 63 to facilitate the movement of desk 10. Additionally, one or both of front legs 62 may be fitted with glides or levelers (not shown) which serve to adjust legs 62 when desk 10 is positioned on a non-level floor.

[0038] Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4, desk 10 is preferably assembled by attaching bottom edge 67 of vertical member 34 to surface 66 of bridge member 35. Attachment can be accomplished by any means commonly employed in the art including, but not limited to, mechanical fasteners and adhesives. In desk 10, the positioning and configuration of cable channel 32 provides the lower region of back 36 with the dual function of forming a component of cable channel 32 as well as forming a modesty panel that depends from work surface 20. Positioning of rear legs 64 on the undersurface of bridge member 35 causes cable channel 32 to also perform a leg support function for a portion of the distance below work surface 20. This reduces the amount of metal utilized in rear legs 64 and thus desk 10. In the most preferred form, cable channel 32 has a thickness or spacing between vertical member 34 and back 36 of approximately two inches, and has a depth or spacing between the upper surfaces of bridge member 35 and work surface 20 of approximately ten and one quarter inches. Other dimensions may be utilized which accommodate cabling for equipment such as computers, modems, ISDNs, telephones, dictating machines, monitors, facsimile machines, photocopiers, image scanners and the like.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, bridge member 35 includes a first pair of vertical uprights 35′ and a second pair of uprights 35″, dimensioned to receive vertical member 34 and back 36, respectively. Uprights 35′ and 35″ are formed with teeth 35″ which removably engage mating recesses 36′ found in vertical member 34 and back 36. Additionally, bridge member 35 is formed with a cable guide clip 39 dimensioned to accept the electrical cables positioned within channel 36. In this embodiment, rear legs 64 are attached to and depend from bridge member 35. Uprights 35′ and 35″ of bridge member 35 permit facile and secure attachment between vertical member 34 and back 36. Furthermore, the detachable feature of bridge member 35 permits quick dissassembly in the event it is desired to store or transport utility desk 10. In a preferred embodiment, bridge member 35 is made of aluminum.

[0040] Turning now to FIGS. 5, 6, 11 and 12, desk 10 may also include a rotatable return 70 attached to a leg 62 and extending therefrom below bottom 23 of work surface 20. Return 70 includes a work surface 72 having a bottom surface 73. A pair of legs 74 depend from bottom surface 73 of work surface 72 with each leg 74 having a wheel or caster 75. As shown in FIG. 12, work surface 72 of return 73 is formed with an aperture 76 dimensioned to loosely surround leg 62. Hence, an individual may utilize return 70 as an additional work surface when needed and when not in use, rotate return 70 such that work surface 72 is positioned under bottom 23 of work surface 20.

[0041] In the most preferred embodiment, legs 62, 64 and 74 of desk 10 and return 70 are made of tubular steel and are powder coated. Also, in the most preferred embodiment, work surface 20, vertical member 34, bridge member 35 and back 36 are made of maple, multi-ply or high grade veneered plywood. However, it will be recognized by one with ordinary skill in the art that other materials can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0042] Turning now to FIGS. 18 and 19, desk 10 may also include a tower 90 dimensioned to receive and support the central processing unit (CPU) of a computer (not shown). Tower 90 is positioned below bottom 23 of work surface 20, and is preferably flush against surface 33 of vertical member 34. As shown in FIG. 23, a vertical shelving unit 94 is positioned against, and preferably attached to, side 28 of work surface 20. In this embodiment, legs 64 of bridge member 35 are replaced by legs 95 depending from tower 90 and legs 96 of vertical shelving 94.

[0043] In another aspect, the present invention is embodied in a unique conference table, a preferred embodiment of which is shown in FIGS. 13 through 15, and generally designated by reference numeral 100. Conference table 100 includes a work surface 102 having a plurality of legs 104 depending therefrom which support work surface 102 a preselected distance above the floor. Work surface 102 includes a front 110, opposing sides 112 and 114 and a rear 116. Formed in front 110 of work surface 102 is a cutout section 120. Preferably, cutout section 120 is in the shape of a half circle. Legs 104, positioned proximate to front 110 of work surface 102, are each fitted with a wheel or caster 122 to permit movement of conference table 100.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, conference table 100 is preferably used in conjunction with a second conference table 100. In this embodiment, conference tables 100 are juxtaposed such that fronts 110 of work surfaces 102 are placed in abutting contact. When so positioned, cutout sections 120 are positioned in registration, and together form a circular aperture. This circular aperture is dimensioned to permit electrical cables to extend therethrough and thus provides a more convenient method for supporting electrical devices upon top 103 of work surface 102 and subsequently connecting electrical apparatus to an electrical outlet. Alternatively, conference table 100 may be provided with a plurality of circular apertures forming cable access ports through work surfaces 102. A plurality of cutout sections 120 may be provided along fronts 110 in order to form a plurality of cable access openings when work surfaces 120 are mated. Also alternatively, conference tables 100 may be mated with one or more additional spacing sections that have a planar upper surface and opposing facing sides that abuttingly mate with fronts 110 and opposed side edges that conform to the configuration of sides 112 and 114. Such spacing sections may be fitted with support legs or alternatively fasteners that connect to work surfaces 102, and include cutout sections that mate with cutout sections 120.

[0045] In the most preferred embodiment, front 110 of work surface 102 has a length of approximately 44.38 inches, rear 116 has a length of approximately 36.0 inches and opposing sides 112 and 114 have a length of approximately 60.0 inches.

[0046] It is to be understood that the foregoing is a description of the preferred embodiments. One skilled in the art will recognize that variations, modifications, and improvements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention disclosed herein. The scope of protection is to be measured by the claims which follow and the breath of interpretation which the law allows, including the doctrine of equivalents. 

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A desk comprising: a work surface having a rear, a top and a bottom; a plurality of legs depending from said bottom of said work surface; and a cable channel depending from said back of said work surface, said cable channel dimensioned to receive at least one electric cable attached to and electrical apparatus positioned on said top of said work surface, said cable channel having an exterior.
 2. The desk as recited in claim 1 , wherein said cable channel is a U-shaped channel.
 3. The desk as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a back extending substantially vertically from said cable channel, said back having a top.
 4. The desk as recited in claim 3 , wherein said top of said back has a shelf extending therefrom.
 5. The desk as recited in claim 3 , wherein said back is formed with a window.
 6. The desk as recited in claim 5 , wherein said back supports an adjustable shade.
 7. The desk as recited in claim 1 , wherein said plurality of legs is four legs.
 8. The desk as recited in claim 1 , wherein said plurality of legs further comprises a pair of back legs depending from opposing sides of said exterior surface of said cable channel and a pair of front legs depending from opposing sides of said bottom of said work surface.
 9. The desk as recited in claim 8 , wherein each leg of said pair of back legs is attached to a caster.
 10. The desk as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a return rotatably attached to a leg of said plurality of legs.
 11. The desk as recited in claim 10 , wherein said return further comprises: a work surface rotatably attached to said leg of said plurality of legs of said desk; and a pair of legs depending from said work surface of said return.
 12. The desk as recited in claim 11 , wherein each leg of said pair of legs of said return is attached to a caster.
 13. A conference table comprising: a first work surface having a front, a rear, opposing sides and a bottom surface, said front of said first work surface having a first cut-out section; a first plurality of legs depending from said bottom of said first work surface; and a second work surface having a front, a back, opposing sides and a bottom, said front of said first work surface positioned adjacent said front of said second work surface, said second work surface having a second cut-out section, said second cut-out section aligned with said first cut-out section formed in said first work surface.
 14. The conference table as recited in claim 13 , wherein said front of said first work surface has a length greater than the length of said rear of said first work surface, wherein said front of said second work surface has a length greater than the length of said rear of said second work surface.
 15. The conference table as recited in claim 13 , wherein said front of said first work surface has a first length and said front of said second work surface has a second length, and wherein said first length is approximately equal to said second length.
 16. The conference table as recited in claim 13 , wherein said first plurality of legs is four legs and said second plurality of legs is four legs.
 17. The conference table as recited in claim 13 , wherein said first plurality of legs is a pair of front legs positioned proximate to said front of said first work surface, and a pair of back legs positioned proximate to said rear of said first work surface, each leg of said pair of front legs having a caster attached thereto.
 18. The conference table as recited in claim 13 , wherein said second plurality of legs is a pair of front legs positioned proximate to said front of said second work surface, and a back pair of legs positioned proximate to said rear of said second work surface, each leg of said pair of front legs having a caster attached thereto.
 19. A utility desk comprising: a work surface having a rear, a top and a bottom; a plurality of legs depending from said bottom of said work surface; a vertical member depending from said rear of said work surface; a bridge member attached to said vertical member; and a back attached to said bridge member, said back, said vertical member and said bridge member defining an interior dimensioned to receive at least one cable attached to an electrical apparatus positioned on said top of said work surface.
 20. The utility desk as recited in claim 19 , wherein said bridge member further comprises a first pair of vertical uprights and a second pair of vertical uprights, said first pair of uprights dimensioned to receive said vertical member, said second pair of uprights dimensioned to receive said back.
 21. The utility desk as recited in claim 19 , wherein said bridge member further comprises a cable guide clip.
 22. The utility desk as recited in claim 20 , wherein said first pair of uprights is formed with a first plurality of teeth, wherein said first plurality of teeth engage recesses formed in said vertical member.
 23. The utility desk as recited in claim 22 , wherein said second pair of uprights is formed with a second plurality of teeth, wherein said second plurality of teeth engage recesses formed in said back
 24. The utility desk as recited in claim 19 , wherein said bridge member is made of aluminum. 